RESIDENTS of sheltered housing in Knutsford looking to keep healthy have received a welcome boost from Toft Taverners.

Royce Court provides sheltered housing for about 40 people, and has received £500 from the Taverners to provide exercise classes for the residents.

If the classes prove popular the Taverners will look at funding them for future years.

The cheque presentation was made by Taverners chairman Keith Knowles, captain Paul Raffo and coach Peter Watson.

The Move It Or Lose It classes are run by Dawn Morris, began on October 10, and are due to run on the first Friday of the month.

They last about an hour, and will also be open to people from the community for a charge of £2, which will help pay for activities for Royce Court residents.

The classes were the idea of scheme manager David Downing, who said: “The aim of the classes is for residents to be able to exercise and remain independent and not lose their mobility.

“There is also a social aspect to the classes, and I would like to thank Toft Taverners for their donation, which will fund the classes for a year.”

Keith Knowles said: “We are very pleased to seed-fund the classes, which hopefully will provide a healthy and stimulating option for the residents of Royce Court.

“If the take-up is good we will certainly look at funding for future years.”

Toft Taverners were formed in 1967 when Bernard Raffo of the Legh Arms started a cricket team to play local organisations.

The organisations paid for the privilege of playing the Taverners at Toft Cricket Club, and the funds supported the Taverners aim of taking Knutsford over-70s on an annual trip to Lytham St Anne’s.

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The trip runs on the first Wednesday in July, costs £6,000, and between 170 and 200 people enjoy a free day out. Since 1967 it is estimated more than 10,000 people have been on the trip.

Over the past two or three years the Taverners have extended the number of games they play, and have raised additional funds.

Keith said: “Subsequently we have made the following one-off contributions to local groups; £1,000 to Knutsford Scouts to help them provide equipment for their new Scout Hut, and £1,000 to the May Day parade organisation.

“The Taverners can only make these contributions to residents and groups because of the generosity of our sponsors.

“We are always looking for more local companies, pubs or groups to sponsor and play a game of cricket.

“It’s a good evening, and if you would be interested in having a game in 2020 call myself on 07887 986 834 or Paul Raffo on 07977 979 449.”